Conner, White power MOC spikers to season-opening victory

MURFREESBORO -- Erika Conner led all players with 15 kills and Carly White matched a career high with 10 blocks in Mount Olive's season-opening four-set victory over Concord (W. Va.) during the two-day Chowan University Janet Collins Invitational.

Conner added 11 digs and White posted 13 kills in the 26-24, 25-27, 25-14, 25-18 victory. White earned a spot on the all-tournament team after averaging 3.91 kills and 1.36 blocks per set. She recorded a .508 hitting percentage in three matches.

Dezirae Mackey logged 13 kills, while Keri Nolan provided 10.

The Trojans (1-2 overall) suffered back-to-back losses to Chowan and Conference Carolinas rival Barton on Saturday. White pounded out 13 kills in a four-set loss to Chowan and MOC was limited to just seven team blocks.

Mackey finished with five blocks, while Nicole Sparks recorded 11 digs.

Barton defeated MOC in straight sets. White led the Trojans with 17 kills and four blocks, while Mackey added 11 kills. Laura Vega recorded 36 assists -- her single-match high as a Trojan. Sparks tallied 14 digs and averaged 4.18 digs per set in the tournament.

Conner reached double figures for the second time with 11 digs.

MOC returns to action Friday and Saturday in its own Invitational. The five-team event includes CIAA members Elizabeth City State and Fayetteville State, Peach Belt member Lander (S.C.) University and new Conference Carolinas opponent North Greenville (S.C.).

Men's soccer

SALISBURY -- Mount Olive surrendered two goals in the first 16 minutes and suffered a 4-0, non-conference loss at in-state rival Catawba College.

The contest was halted in the 71st minute due to lightning.

Adam Kurdi recorded a hat trick for Catawba (1-1-0 overall), which capitalized on a Trojan foul and a red card just 2:22 into the match.

Mount Olive was outshot 12-6. Trojan starting goalkeeper Rob Gray recorded two saves in 58 minutes. Kyle Lavender was in goal for the final 12 minutes and faced two shots.